893.00/13792: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
362. Chiang Ting Wen arrived Nanking yesterday with following letter addressed by Chiang Kai Shek to Ho Ying Chin:
“Informed of the bombing of Weinan by squadrons yesterday, I am writing to request you to order the immediate cessation of the air raids. As far as I can tell from the present circumstances, I may be able to return to Nanking before the end of this week, and therefore hostilities should not break out and bombing should be discontinued until after Saturday. (Signed) Chung Cheng”.12
Foregoing letter in Chiang Kai Shek’s handwriting was written by Chiang in the presence of Chang Hsueh Liang. It is interpreted here as an ultimatum to Chang Hsueh Liang by Chiang. Ho Ying [Page 437] Chin ordered cessation of hostilities until 6 p.m. tonight. Authorities here are anxiously awaiting results without too much optimism as to outcome. No report here yet as to Chiang’s release.
In my opinion letter indicates possible break in Chang Hsueh Liang’s stand and opens some hope of settlement. It is significant that Chang Hsueh Liang made no objection to time limit.
Negotiations apparently are continuing but there is no information available here as to direction negotiations are taking. It is understood that Government desired to arrange discussion with Chang Hsueh Liang at Taiyuan. Nanking is quiet with martial law effective nightly after midnight.
T. V. Soong left this afternoon for Loyang and presumably for Sian.
Sent to Department, code texts to Peiping and Tokyo by mail.